When plasma TVs first appeared on the market five years ago, they were anything but affordable to the mainstream AV consumer at $20,000 and higher. But as plasmas popularity increased and companies competed to build a more affordable plasma TV, the prices have been dropping exponentially. Most 42 inch plasmas are priced between $4,500 - $8,000 in late 2002.

PC maker Gateway shocked the visual market on November 1 2002 with the release of their new plasma TV at a market price of $2,999. It is the first TV they have manufactured in years and they have truly targeted a wider audience of consumers with this more affordable plasma set.

With a 42-inch, 16:9 screen, 852 x 480 resolution and internal stereo amplified speakers this plasma is thin enough to hang on nearly every wall. The Gateway 42-inch plasma comes with a one year limited parts, labor and support warranty and is in Gateway stores and online now.